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Abang Johari chatting with the Semban Ring Ladies while accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian (left), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hii Chang Kee (second to left) and MPP Chairman Lo Khere Chiang (fourth from left). – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (December 14): The Sarawak government has never used the term Darul Hana to refer to Sarawak, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said he was surprised to hear that some quarters had alleged that the state government would use the term Darul Hana to describe Sarawak.
“Since when? If the Sarawak government is going to do it, I would know, but I don’t know.
“These people just want to raise issues because at this time there are no issues that go against the government,” he told reporters when he met after officiating the Padawan City Council (MPP) 24th anniversary celebration here today.
He was asked to comment on a recent uproar over the term ‘Sarawak Darul Hana’, which was sparked by a salute from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Sarawak on social media last year.
Abang Johari emphasized that the state government only uses the term ‘Darul Hana’ to name bridges, housing estates and mosques.
These include the Darul Hana Bridge at the Kuching Waterfront, the Darul Hana House and the Darul Hana Mosque at the Seberang Hilir resettlement area in Petra Jaya.
“The state government cannot just use the term Darul Hana to refer to Sarawak because this must first be approved by the State Legislative Assembly,” said the Chief Minister.
On Sunday, PAS Sarawak had defended its use of Darul Hana to describe Sarawak and also denied claims by activists that the Islamic party was attempting to change Sarawak’s identity from a secular state to one that focuses on a single religion.
The party’s state commissioner, Jofri Jaraiee, said that Darul Hana, which was used during Sultan Tengah’s rule from 1627 to 1657, is a term that means a harmonious and safe place for everyone.
On December 6, five local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), namely Dayak Think Tank Assocation, Dayak National Congress, Sarawak Iban Association, Persatuan Balang Balai Nyabong and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association Miri, said that continued use of Darul Hana could alter race and racial relations. religious harmony in the state.
They also accused the PAS of distorting history, as they said that Sultan Tengah only ruled a small area around present-day Kuching and it was only a small portion of modern day Sarawak.
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